Launched in December 2024, the Cornell Community Garden Leadership Program is a year-long online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. The program equips community gardeners with management best practices and operational skills to improve garden sustainability. The program also connects gardeners to regional resources, professional development opportunities, and a statewide community garden leadership network.

To achieve this goal, the program uses a cohort model of community gardeners to share knowledge, wisdom, and to support one another as they navigate the coursework. Those interested in the program must apply. Harvest New York Specialist Makela Elvy leads this statewide program. Contact Makela for more information.

Urban Ag Specialists are working to improve urban soils and create healthier, safer gardening environments. 

The team administers and supports the Community Garden Soil Testing Program, a statewide opportunity for food-growing community and home gardeners to test their soil at no cost. This comprehensive soil test includes a nutrient profile, pH, and heavy metals results report. The program is run in partnership with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Cornell Soil Health Lab.

Through workshops and local research projects, the Urban Ag Specialists are increasing access to groundbreaking research on biochar, a soil amendment that has been shown to bind contaminants, filter stormwater runoff, and improve soil health, critical features in urban environments which are often contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants that pose challenges for food production. Photo by Andrew Kelly.

Best practices for urban ag food safety, including the difference between FSMA and GAPs certification, basic considerations for urban farms and opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.